Plan outlines strategic goals, investment priorities to strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor research and development
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 24, 2024 – Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity designated by the Department of Commerce to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government, today released the inaugural NSTC Strategic Plan. The plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for building the NSTC as an enduring institution that will strengthen and extend U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology.
“The NSTC represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the U.S. to accelerate the pace of innovation in semiconductor technology,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “Through substantial investments in research, physical and digital assets, and workforce development programs, Natcast will lay the foundations for the technologies of tomorrow.”
Expanding on recommendations put forth by the CHIPS Research and Development Office in its previously released paper, “A Vision and Strategy for the National for the National Semiconductor Technology Center,” the NSTC Strategic Plan defines and prioritizes the steps that Natcast will take to achieve the NSTC’s three primary goals and build the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable, and enduring ecosystem for semiconductor R&D in the United States.
“The NSTC embodies CHIPS for America’s vision for establishing the capacity to invent, develop, prototype, and deploy the foundational semiconductor technologies of the future – here in the United States. Through this dynamic public-private collaboration, we are building robust infrastructure to ensure the seamless integration of industry, academia, and government, and we look forward to continuing to deliver results for the American people,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Laurie E. Locascio.
The NSTC Strategic Plan outlines three primary goals:
Extend U.S. technology leadership
The NSTC will reinforce and extend U.S. leadership in semiconductors by identifying and advancing promising research initiatives in semiconductor technologies and fostering collaboration throughout the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. To support this goal, Natcast will work closely with NSTC members to define the first long-term NSTC research agenda – prioritizing the identification of next-generation technologies – and to implement it through NSTC research awards and programs.
Reduce the time and cost to prototype
Natcast will establish and manage a portfolio of physical and digital assets, services, and capital that benefits the NSTC community by reducing the time and cost to explore, prototype, and validate innovative semiconductor designs. This work includes establishing prototyping facilities that NSTC members can utilize; facilitating NSTC member access to multi-project wafers and electronic design automation (EDA) design resources, tools, and shared datasets; and advancing commercialization of promising innovation through the creation of an investment fund that will provide capital investment to start-ups.
Build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem
Earlier this year, Natcast established the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE), with the goal of accelerating efforts to build the diverse and skilled workforce required for the U.S. semiconductor industry to grow domestic manufacturing capacity and lead in the development of semiconductor technologies. The purpose of the WCoE is to increase access to effective, industry-recognized workforce solutions through partnership, funding, and recognition programs; facilitate the exchange of ideas, insights, tools, and resources among stakeholders in the semiconductor workforce community; provide expertise and custom services to support the improvement of regional workforce development ecosystems; and unlock actionable insights into the current conditions of the semiconductor workforce and best practices.
“The NSTC Strategic Plan presents a roadmap for strengthening America’s position as a global leader in semiconductor technology to enhance our nation’s economic and national security,” said Robin Abrams, interim chair of the Natcast Board of Trustees. “The plan emphasizes not only technological innovation but also the development of a robust ecosystem that includes the workforce, infrastructure, and collaboration needed to sustain long-term growth.”
To read the full NSTC Strategic Plan, visit natcast.org/nstc-governance. To learn more about the benefits of NSTC Membership and to join, visit natcast.org/nstcmembership.